UPDATE: The Cubs are also interested in free agent outfielder Denard Span, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
-----
The Chicago Cubs are reportedly in trade talks with the Tampa Bay Rays in an attempt to acquire a starting pitcher. However, that's not all they're up to. The latest rumors find Chicago is targeting one of the top outfielders in free agency.
Jason Heyward, who is arguably the most sought-after player on the market at this point, is on the Cubs' radar as they hope to improve their outfield, which is expected to lose Dexter Fowler.
"The Cubs have envisioned Jason Heyward batting leadoff and playing center at Wrigley Field, according to a source familiar with the team's thinking, but it will take several steps to turn that dream into a reality," writes Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago.com.
"After landing starter John Lackey for a fraction of the cost, the Cubs are focusing the money they saved on trying to get top free-agent outfielder Jason Heyward, sources say," adds Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Talks between #Rays and #Cubs about SP (Cobb in particular) not dead, but cooled considerably. Chicago working on much: SP/Heyward/etc
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 8, 2015
Heyward could land a $200 million deal, but the 26-year-old could be an affordable signing since it's almost guaranteed he'll be granted an opt-out clause after the first three or fours years of any future contract. Given his young age, he's expected to exercise that opt-out clause when the time comes and pursue another long-term deal before he gets too old.
This means he'll leave a number of years and perhaps $100 million on the table, which would save the Cubs from making a gigantic long-term commitment.
Chicago already passed on top free agent starters David Price ($217 million deal), Zack Greinke ($206.5 million), Jordan Zimmermann ($110 million) and Jeff Samardzija ($90 million), and it doesn't look like they'll be signing any of the remaining free agents (Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Yovani Gallardo, Scott Kazmir and others).
If anything, they'll make a trade for a starter, as rumors suggested they've been dangling Javier Baez and Jorge Soler in such talks. Right now they're talking with the Rays about potentially acquiring Alex Cobb in a deal that would send Baez to Tampa Bay, but it's unclear how far along those discussions are.
Their rotation seems to be in solid shape with Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and Lackey as the top three starters, but they're probably looking for one more arm to provide better depth than Kyle Hendricks and Jason Hammel at the No. 4 and No. 5 spots.
They've been linked to a number of cost-controlled starters, which explains their ongoing interest in Heyward. General manager Jed Hoyer said the team has resources and will "be aggressive and active to deploy those resources."
If the Cubs can steal Lackey and Heyward from the Cardinals, they could become the favorites to win the NL Central in 2016.
